Welcome , Class of 2013.  I am so excited about our four years together.  They will go by so fast.   I am looking forward to getting to know each of you.  As  your "personal counselor" I am here to help you in any way you might need.  I want you to be the happiest, most successful student you can be.  If you have any questions or worries, I'm your contact person at AHS.  I will be sending you notes and scheduling a time for you to come to my office.  I hope to see each of you before Fall break.  You are welcome to come down without an official appointment, just  send me an e-mail and I will come find you.  ( I do have a supply of candy, while it lasts!!!)

How's it going? Here are some reminders to help you "fine tune" your transition to high school, amking sure to keep old friends, make new friends, and be a friend:
Tips

• Get your new friend's phone number, e-mail addresses and give them yours; keep in touch.
• Don't try too hard, relax and be yourself - they will like you.
• Have fun with your new friends; but don't forget old friends.
• Stop thinking you are not cool enough to talk to them. They will have good reasons to want to talk to you after they meet you - think of your virtues!
• Smile! People are drawn to happy, positive people!
  • Remember that not everyone is a true friend! So watch your back and don't trust everyone you meet.
  • Don't try too hard to impress a certain group only because they have high status - it's a lot better to meet people for who they are, not for what they have.
  • With friends, it's quality over quantity. Making one or two best friends is usually enough.
  • Take time to make sure they are true friends, not ones that'd blab out all your secrets, things that can embarrass you, or draw unwanted kinds of attention towards you.
  • Be friendly, but don't be too friendly. Not all people are nice and some can try to take advantage of you. Don't be afraid to show your decisions, don't pity time over time for the same person. It's a sign that they may be trying to make you their pet.
  • If one friendship doesn't work out don't be afraid to start a new one. Over time you should be involved in an awesome friendship. If you fall just try, try, and try again.
  • Don't just walk up to someone and start telling them all your problems. Some people will think it is weird. Just give them enough informations to contact you and consider you as a friend.
  • Take it slowly; friendships normally do not form overnight.